'Players are playing with fear’: Former India star slams team management

Following India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Kolkata, intense criticism has emerged over the team’s batting failure on a sharply turning pitch. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif strongly criticised the atmosphere within the squad, accusing the team management of creating confusion and insecurity.

“There is too much confusion in this team. Players don’t have belief. There is insecurity, and the leadership looked weak,” Kaif said on YouTube.

According to him, players feel there is no support from the management. “Koi backing nahi hai, sab darr ke khel rahe hain — everyone is playing with fear. No one is playing freely,” he added.

Also Read: Former India star warns No. 3 role could hurt Washington Sundar’s bowling development

Kaif questioned team selection as well, highlighting that even players performing well aren’t assured of their spots. “If Sarfaraz Khan isn’t guaranteed a place even after scoring a century… he was dropped without playing. Sai Sudharsan scored 87 but didn’t get a chance in the next Test. There’s a lot of confusion.”

He emphasised the need for better preparation on spin-friendly tracks.

Kaif pointed out that Washington Sundar succeeded because he grew up on Chennai’s turning pitches and understands how to use his feet and soft hands against spin. He argued that if Sai Sudharsan had batted at No. 3 and Sundar at No. 8, India could have won the Test, noting that Sudharsan, also from Chennai, handles spin well and was in good form.